Our Honeymoon Destination
Most people spend their honeymoons in Jamaica or the Bahamas. Well as you know, Mike & I aren't like most people so we have decided to step off the usual path.
So instead of laying on the beach on a tropical island sipping on pina coladas, we are going to hit the dirt hiking trails among other things in Tennessee.
Not only are the mountains beautiful, but there are so many waterfalls to discover - and we hope we can see a bear (just not too up and personal). We can't wait to hit the trails with our camera to capture every breathtaking moment!
ZORB
Oh wow. What can I say about this. We saw it on TV the other night and of course said WE ARE SO DOING THAT!!
This is a "must see" attraction in our book! It is located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
There are several "rides" you can do - there are wet, dry, zig-zag, straight...you name it! I think I want to do the wet ride!!!
Biltmore Estates - Asheville, North Carolina
There is so much to see at the Biltmore Estates. They have their own winery (and you know Mike & I love wine). They also have an 8,000-acre backyard with an array of outdoor activities, one-of-a-kind shopping and several restaurants that I cannot wait to try!! I may need another memory card for the camera just to photograph all there is to see at the Biltmore!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
I think we will spend most of our honeymoon wandering the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
It is said to be a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks.
Not only will there be tons of trails, but most visitors come to the Smokies hoping to see a bear. Some 1,500 bears live in the park. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies have the most biological diversity of any area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
And did I mention there are 11 waterfalls in the park. Can we say -- PHOTO OPS!!!
I better get another memory card and battery pack!!!
Auntie Belham Cabins
800.436.6618
I think we are going to try to stay at the Auntie Belham cabins in Gatlinburg, TN. They have the most AMAZING cabins that we have seen.
They all have a jacuzzi tub inside, a hot tub outside. They also all come equipped with a full kitchen, pool tables and amazing views!
I cannot wait to be sitting on the deck of one of these cabins...looking out over the tops of the trees and having a glass of wine with Mike!!!
Blue Ridge Parkway
And of course we will have to take a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway!
A drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway is slow paced and relaxing. Almost any overlook or trail will reveal much of the natural and cultural history here. We will be able to explore the many communities along the route that make the region so special.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is designed for slow-paced travel, something we are not accustomed to in this day and age! Overlooks, trails, picnic and camping areas, and a multitude of developed areas await us!
Hiking!
Yes -- we do plan to do a lot of hiking while we are in Tennessee!
The 8.0 mile roundtrip jaunt to Charlies Bunion, located on the Appalachian Trail, is a popular day hike.
Hikers enjoy the Smoky Mountains during all months of the year with every season offering is own special rewards. Spring provides a weekly parade of wildflowers and flowering trees - which I cannot wait to photograph!!
I think I am definitely gonna have to buy some of those trail books this winter so I can get ready for Spring hiking!
